Get the party started with this easy El Presidente cocktail recipe! Made with rum, vermouth, and a hint of citrus, this smooth drink is perfect for any celebration.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
231
Ingredients
- 2 oz White Rum
- 1 oz dry Vermouth
- ½ oz orange Curaçao
- ¼ oz grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Orange twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Start by chilling your cocktail glass in the freezer or filling it with ice cubes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing glass, pour ¼ oz grenadine, ½ oz orange Curaçao, 1 oz dry Vermouth, and 2 oz White Rum.
- Stir Well: Add ice cubes to the mixing glass and with a bar spoon, stir the mix thoroughly until it's chilled.
- Prep Serving Glass: Remove your cocktail glass from the freezer or discard the ice cubes.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
- Garnish: Add an orange twist for a touch of elegance.
Notes
Substitutes:
- White Rum: No white rum? Fret not! I've tried light gold rum for a slightly richer flavor profile, and it's fabulous.
- Dry Vermouth: Out of dry vermouth? A splash of sweet vermouth can work – it alters the taste, making it a bit sweeter, but it's a pleasant twist.
- Orange Curaçao: Triple sec is a decent stand-in for orange curaçao, maintaining the citrus notes essential to this cocktail.
Making a Pitcher of El Presidente:
- Scale: Hosting a party? Mix a batch serving 8 by multiplying each ingredient by 8. You'll need 16 oz of white rum, 8 oz of dry vermouth, 4 oz of orange curaçao, and 2 oz of Grenadine.
- Mix: Find a large pitcher and combine all these ingredients with ice. Stir it up!
- Serve: Serve it chilled in individual glasses, and watch your guests revel in the taste.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- White Rum Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic rum-flavored syrup or a rum extract mixed with water for that rum-like taste without the alcohol.
- Orange Curaçao: Try with an orange syrup or an orange peel tea.
- Vermouth: Opt for a non-alcoholic alternative in the market.
- Other Ingredients: Keep the other ingredients the same; you'll barely notice the difference!
- Final Steps: Follow the standard recipe, replace the rum with your non-alcoholic option, and confidently serve this delightful mocktail.
Making it Vegan:
- Good News: The classic recipe is typically vegan! Just check your Grenadine and orange curaçao brands to ensure they're free of animal products.
What is an El Presidente Cocktail?
The El Presidente Cocktail is a blend of rum, vermouth, orange curaçao, and Grenadine that hails from the 1920s era of Havana’s high society. This cocktail exudes elegance and history, often associated with Cuba’s high rollers and American expats who sought refuge in the vibrant nightlife of Havana. The cocktail, named in honor of then-president Mario García Menocal, quickly became the toast of the town, synonymous with luxury and the free-spirited joie de vivre of that bygone era.
What is in an El Presidente Cocktail – The Ingredients
To prepare to make your own El Presidente Cocktail, get these ingredients:
- White Rum: Provides a strong, smooth base that carries the other flavors.
- Dry Vermouth: Adds a herbal, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rum’s sweetness.
- Orange Curaçao: Infuses the cocktail with a subtle citrus undertone.
- Grenadine: Offers a touch of sweetness and a dash of color.
- Orange Peel (for garnish): Enhances the aroma by adding a fresh citrus note before the sip.
